US6170402B1 - Roller coaster control system - Google Patents
Roller coaster control system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US6170402B1 US6170402B1 US09/295,719 US29571999A US6170402B1 US 6170402 B1 US6170402 B1 US 6170402B1 US 29571999 A US29571999 A US 29571999A US 6170402 B1 US6170402 B1 US 6170402B1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- track
- launch
- vehicles
- amusement ride
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
- A63G7/00—Up-and-down hill tracks; Switchbacks
Definitions
- the field of the invention is roller coasters and similar amusement rides.
- Roller coasters have long been some of the most well liked rides at amusement parks. Roller coasters normally have an endless track loop. Riders load and unload at a platform or station, typically at a low elevation. At the beginning of each ride cycle, a roller coaster car or a train of cars, is generally towed or moved up a relatively steep incline of an initial track section to the highest point on the entire track. The car is then released from the high point and gains kinetic energy, which allows the car to travel entirely around the track circuit or loop, and return back to the loading/unloading station.
- the roller coast track typically includes various loops, turns, inversions, corkscrews and other configurations intended to thrill the riders.
- Racing or dueling rolling coasters typically have two side by side endless track loops, with the tracks parallel to each other. In this way, a roller coaster train on the first track can “race” with a roller coaster train on the second track.
- This well known “racing” feature provides added thrills and excitement for the riders.
- the roller coaster trains and tracks in dueling or racing coasters are made to be nearly as equivalent as possible, to provide for more competitive “racing”. If one coaster train or track is consistently faster than the other, the racing coasters will increasingly be spaced farther and farther apart, as they progress over the track, and the sensation of racing will be lost.
- each coaster In the operation of racing coasters, each coaster is towed on its track to side by side high points. The coasters are then launched or released simultaneously. As the coasters are propelled purely via gravity, the coasters will be evenly matched only if the coaster speed related variables (such as coaster payload, coaster wheel bearing efficiency, coaster wheel concentricity, wind resistance, coaster tire to track resistance, etc.) are comparable. If the combinations of these variables are comparable, then the racing coasters will be evenly matched, and will travel at the same speed over their tracks. However, these combinations of variables will more often than not result in one coaster train being significantly faster than the other, thereby undesirably reducing the advantages of racing coasters. Consequently, some of the excitement and thrills intended in the design of the racing roller coasters is often lost due to these types of variables.
- coaster speed related variables such as coaster payload, coaster wheel bearing efficiency, coaster wheel concentricity, wind resistance, coaster tire to track resistance, etc.
- a roller coaster or other amusement ride has a first vehicle movable along a first track or path and a second vehicle movable along a second track or path.
- the vehicle may be an individual vehicle or train of connected vehicles. Vehicle lifting or towing systems tow the vehicles to high points on the tracks or paths.
- a control system controls the lifters to delay the release of the expected faster vehicle, so that the vehicles will be more evenly matched as they move over the tracks.
- the controller determines which vehicle to release first, and determines the amount of delay between release of the first and second vehicles, based on the loaded weights of the vehicles, and/or on individual vehicle speed performance on prior runs over the first and second tracks.
- the vehicles may be steered or guided by the tracks or via other techniques on a path.
- the loaded weights of the vehicles or trains are determined by measuring current draw of motors used to drive the lifting systems.
- the time intervals for individual vehicles to reach selected track locations are measured and used to update the vehicle performance parameters.
- multiple trains operate on each track, and a performance curve is determined and used for each individual train.
- a roller coaster or other amusement ride has a first vehicle movable along a first path and a second vehicle movable along a second path.
- a first vehicle propulsion system accelerates the first vehicle to a first speed and a second vehicle propulsion system accelerates the second vehicle to a second speed.
- a controller controls the propulsion systems to adjust the first and second speeds, based on vehicle weight and/or a vehicle performance parameter.
- the first and second propulsion systems accelerate the first and second vehicles to equivalent speeds, and provide different release times for the first and second vehicles by engaging the vehicles, or by starting the vehicles movements, at different times.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the track incline section of a racing roller coaster according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of the track layout of the present racing roller coaster
- FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the control system for the racing roller coaster shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart of vehicle performance parameter data base development
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of relative release point determination
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing release point determinations.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment having a propulsion system.
- a racing coaster amusement ride 10 has a first track 12 and a second track 14 .
- a first train of vehicles 20 rides on the track rails 34 of the first track 12 .
- a second train 18 including vehicles 22 rides on the track rails 34 of the second track 14 .
- the vehicles 20 and 22 and tracks 12 and 14 may be structurally and functionally the same (although the track paths are different, as shown in FIG. 2 ).
- Structural supports 32 extend up from the ground 35 to support the tracks 12 and 14 at the desired positions and elevations.
- both tracks 12 and 14 have initial launch or incline sections 24 and 26 , with the tracks running uphill to high points 28 and 30 .
- a vehicle towing or lifting drive system 36 and 38 is provided on each of the inclines 24 and 26 , respectively.
- the lift systems 36 and 38 include electric drive motors 40 and 42 , driving a chain loop which engages a towing hook or dog on the bottom of the vehicles 20 and 22 , to tow or lift the vehicles up the incline, as is well known in the roller coaster industry.
- the lift systems may be replaced with linear induction motors (LIMs) or linear synchronous motors (LSMs) or other types of motors 45 which accelerate the vehicles to a desired speed, as shown in FIG. 7 . If these types of motors are used, the vehicles are provided with initial kinetic energy, rather than with potential energy in the embodiment having the vehicles towed up to a peak. Hence, no initial lift or incline is needed.
- LIMs linear induction motors
- LSMs linear synchronous
- the first and second tracks 12 and 14 have parallel track sections 90 where the tracks 12 and 14 run parallel and next to each other.
- the tracks 12 and 14 also extend away from each other, and at various angles to each other, in three dimensions, throughout the amusement ride 10 , at various divergent track sections 92 . Accordingly, although the amusement ride 10 provides racing coasters, the tracks 12 and 14 are not uniformly parallel to and alongside each other. Rather, the tracks 12 and 14 are parallel and close to each other at certain parallel track sections 90 , and cross over, under, or approach each other at several other “near miss” locations 70 . As the tracks do not physically intersect each other, there is no risk of collision between the trains or vehicles on the two different tracks.
- the riders perceive a near miss event or potential collision, as the tracks cross over each other or come near each other (although they are vertically or horizontally separated at the near miss locations 70 ).
- the track paths are made up largely of divergent track sections 92 , the lengths, elevation changes, and track geometries are set up so that trains will arrive simultaneously at at least one near miss location, if all of the train speed variables are equal or balanced between both of the trains.
- the trains will arrive simultaneously at several near miss locations.
- a load/unload station or platform 80 is provided at the parallel track section 90 in front of the incline sections 24 and 26 .
- track sensors 60 are located on both tracks 12 and 14 at or near the near miss locations 70 .
- the track sensors 60 are linked to a controller 50 (via cable, RF, or other communication link) in the ride control system 55 .
- Current sensors 54 and 56 are also linked to the controller 50 and detect the current drawn by the motors 40 and 42 .
- the motors 40 and 42 drive the lift systems 36 and 38 .
- the controller 50 is linked to DC drive controllers 58 which directly control the motors 40 and 42 .
- the controller 50 includes a processor 51 , a memory 52 and a clock 53 .
- the controller 50 , lift systems 36 and 38 and the various sensors described herein form the ride control system 55 .
- FIGS. 1 - 3 provides a way for compensating for variables in weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics, so that near miss events are more consistently achieved, for both incline based and propulsion (e.g., LIM based rides.)
- the controller 50 controls the motors 40 and 42 to pull or drive the trains up the inclines 24 and 26 .
- the current sensors 54 and 56 sense the current drawn by each motor and provide the current draw information to the controller 50 .
- the current draw information provided by the current sensors 54 and 56 to the controller, provides information to the controller 50 on the loaded weight of each train 16 and 18 .
- the controller 50 compensates by controlling the motor 40 or 42 lifting the heavier train by a calculated amount. As a result, at the top of the lift, the trains will be spaced apart, and the lighter train or the train that has higher rolling resistance will be launched or released first, providing a head start.
- the processor 51 within the controller 50 determines the head start provided to the lighter train.
- the amount of the head start, or the duration of the delay between launching the first and second trains, is preferably selected so that the faster train will “catch up” to the slower train, at a selected near miss location. While the lighter train will be “ahead” of the heavier train before the selected near miss location, and “behind” the heavier after the selected near miss location, the difference in arrival times at the near miss locations 70 are minimized.
- the “head start” is provided by controlling the speed of the lifts and/or the difference in release times. Lift speed and train position on the lift are detected by sensors 67 , shown in FIG. 3 . If LIMs are used, the head start may also be achieved by providing the slower vehicle with a higher launch speed.
- the controller 50 develops a train performance curve which is used together with the train weight information to determine which train is expected to run slower, and the amount of head start to be provided to that slower train, so that both trains will more consistently arrive at one or more of the near miss locations 70 simultaneously.
- the performance parameter is a trend value, based on multiple runs, of the trains speed over the track independent of the trains loaded weight.
- FIG. 4 shows development of the performance parameter data base. Points are plotted for each train based on measured current draw ( 1 ) on the lift (x-axis) and measured elapsed time ( ⁇ t) to complete the run (y-axis). A performance plot or curve is fit to the points. Each train has its own performance curve. The curves form the performance database.
- the unloaded trains 16 and 18 are launched and travel over the tracks 12 and 14 , respectively.
- the launch time of each train is detected by launch detectors 65 , which provide launch signals to 20 the controller 50 .
- the arrival of each train 16 and 18 back at or near the station is detected by track sensors 60 .
- the track sensors 60 provide train arrival signals to the controller 50 , which determines the elapsed times ( ⁇ t) for each of the trains 16 and 18 . Using this information, the controller 50 determines which train is faster.
- the trains 16 and 18 are preferably cycled several times over the tracks 12 and 14 , with the timing data for each train collected to provide an adequate number of points to fit a curve.
- the performance curves are stored in the memory 53 .
- the unloaded runs can be skipped and the performance curves can be generated during actual use with the trains loaded with riders.
- the advantages of using the performance curves will not be realized in the initial run.
- the ride 10 is ready for preferred use. Riders board the trains. Train tag sensors 25 linked to the controller 50 uniquely identify the trains on the lifts. The loaded weight of each train 16 and 18 is determined, as described above. The weight information, and performance curve, for each train, are then input as variables into the controller which calculates how much of a head start is to be provided to the slower train. The controller 50 preferably then slows the motor 40 or 42 lifting the faster train, or speeds up the motor lifting the slower train so that the slower train is launched first. This can also be done with constant speed motors that simply use a different release time. Consequently, the variables influencing train speed are compensated for using real time train weight data, from the current sensors 54 and 56 , combined with the past performance data, in the form of a performance curve.
- the train tag sensors 25 identify the trains on the lifts 36 to the controller 50 .
- the current draws for those trains are measured as they are lifted or propelled.
- the controller selects the performance curve for the identified train from the database. Using the current draw information (which is directly related to weight), and the selected performance curves, values ⁇ t, and ⁇ t2 are generated. The value ⁇ t 2 is subtracted from ⁇ t i to determine the required release time different ⁇ t.
- FIG. 6 shows operation of the control system 55 .
- the controller 50 determines the required separation distance at the track peak, needed to provide the required time differential.
- the lifts operate continuously. Hence, the trains are constantly moving up on the lifts. As the trains do not stop, the time difference must accordingly be achieved by providing a space separation distance between the competing trains, as they approach the peaks.
- the separation between the trains on the lifts is monitored. The lift speed is increased or reduced to achieve the calculated separation. Alternatively, the trains are fed into constant speed lifts at different times to get specific separation between trains.
- a weighting factor may also be used in steps above, to assign more or less mathematical weight to either the train weight information or the performance parameter information.
- the mathematical weighting factor if used, may be selected based on test runs to optimize operation for existing conditions.
- the controller 50 continues to monitor vehicle speed over the track, via inputs from the launch detectors 65 and track sensors 60 . This information is used to continuously update the performance curves. Consequently, changes in rolling resistance and aerodynamics are continuously compensated for. For example, if the rolling resistance of one of the trains, the rolling speed of that train will be reduced. However, that reduction in speed will be detected by the controller. As a result, on the next run for that train, the controller will provide a compensating head start, so that the near miss events are more consistently maintained.
- the amusement ride 10 can be used to compensate for payload or weight differences, separately and apart from the train performance parameters. That is, compensation can be performed using either only weight as a factor, or using only past train performance as a factor. However, preferably, both weight and train performance parameters are used.
- the amusement ride 10 contemplates having multiple trains 16 and 18 operate on each track 12 and 14 . With this type of operation, a performance curve is developed for each train.
- the speed of the trains 16 and 18 cannot be adjusted after they are launched. If the near miss locations 70 are spaced apart around the tracks 12 and 14 , the staggered launch timing for the trains can be optimized for only a single (typically centrally located) near miss location. In most embodiments, this compensation will be sufficient. However, for embodiments having longer tracks with near miss locations 70 spaced far apart, mid-track trim braking systems 75 or speed boosting systems 76 (such as LIMS) can be provided. These systems 75 and 76 are linked to and controlled by the controller 50 , to optimize simultaneous arrival of both trains at multiple near miss locations.
- mid-track trim braking systems 75 or speed boosting systems 76 such as LIMS
- the two different paths or track systems 12 and 14 are designed to have separate vehicles 16 and 18 “meet” at multiple points throughout the ride for near-miss events, assuming weight and train performance is constant.
- the track layouts have to be different (if the track layouts were identical, the two trains would always be side by side and there would be no near-miss events). With the track layouts selected and constructed, the differences in train weight, train performance, etc. are determined and compensated for, to insure that the near-miss events actually occur.
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Abstract
Description
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (9)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/295,719 US6170402B1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 1999-04-21 | Roller coaster control system |
AU40727/00A AU4072700A (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2000-04-05 | Roller coaster control system |
DE60040528T DE60040528D1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2000-04-05 | ROLLERCOASTER CONTROL SYSTEM |
CNB00806508XA CN1157243C (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2000-04-05 | Roller coaster control system |
EP00920145A EP1171209B1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2000-04-05 | Roller coaster control system |
AT00920145T ATE411093T1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2000-04-05 | COASTER CONTROL SYSTEM |
JP2000612016A JP4813664B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2000-04-05 | Roller coaster control system |
ES00920145T ES2313888T3 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2000-04-05 | RUSSIAN MOUNTAIN CONTROL SYSTEM. |
PCT/US2000/009011 WO2000062882A1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2000-04-05 | Roller coaster control system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/295,719 US6170402B1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 1999-04-21 | Roller coaster control system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US6170402B1 true US6170402B1 (en) | 2001-01-09 |
Family
ID=23138949
Family Applications (1)
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US09/295,719 Expired - Lifetime US6170402B1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 1999-04-21 | Roller coaster control system |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US6170402B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1171209B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4813664B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1157243C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE411093T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU4072700A (en) |
DE (1) | DE60040528D1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2313888T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000062882A1 (en) |
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US20070089632A1 (en) * | 2005-10-24 | 2007-04-26 | Gordon Jonathan I | Multi-track multi-vehicle roller coaster with special effects |
US20070089630A1 (en) * | 2005-10-24 | 2007-04-26 | Gordon Jonathan I | Multi-track multi-vehicle roller coaster |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES2313888T3 (en) | 2009-03-16 |
EP1171209B1 (en) | 2008-10-15 |
CN1157243C (en) | 2004-07-14 |
WO2000062882A9 (en) | 2002-03-28 |
EP1171209A1 (en) | 2002-01-16 |
JP4813664B2 (en) | 2011-11-09 |
DE60040528D1 (en) | 2008-11-27 |
AU4072700A (en) | 2000-11-02 |
WO2000062882A1 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
JP2002541940A (en) | 2002-12-10 |
EP1171209A4 (en) | 2004-04-28 |
ATE411093T1 (en) | 2008-10-15 |
CN1347334A (en) | 2002-05-01 |
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